Mill Cottage at the Graythwaite Estate

This was a magical place, I would love there forever if I could.

The quality of the bedding, mattresses, kitchen, furniture and the whole house in general was amazing. We loved it! Thank you for taking care of the guests who stay because it’s actually clean, well equipped and a beautiful spot.

We have stayed at Mill Cottage for many years.

However, on looking to book the cottage for a similar week next year we were appalled to see that the price had risen by about 50% from just under £750 per week to just over £1150 per week. Although, in current circumstances, we would not have been surprised to see a modest price rise by 10% say or possibly even as much as 20%, a price rise of 50% seems beyond excessive. There are many other properties in the Lake District offering at least as good quality accommodation for considerably less. I would also note that there were problems with the boiler that meant we were without hot water on two nights. There were also severe problems with internet access that meant we unable to access the internet except for a short while on a single laptop. This meant that we were not able to deal with e-mails or connect to work.

Very comfortable, cosy cottage in a lovely isolated setting.

Great base for exploring the Lakes. However, cottage details need to be amended i.e. the garden is not completely fenced which was one of the features important to us as we have a dog.

Cottage was perfect for us and our 3 year old.

The location next to the lake was fab - we enjoyed walking right from our door.

I have used sykes many times for a doggy friendly cottage across the UK and every time I have been extremely satisfied with the property.

As we have had such lovely places in the past and sadly unable to afford a foreign holiday this year I thought I would pay a little more and go for a premium property. As the property cost almost £700 I expected it to be perfect I certainly expected EXACTLY what was promised and although the cottage was very beautiful and incredibly well positioned it was advertised as a dog friendly property with a fully enclosed garden , the pictures even showed a garden with a fence all the way around but this was very misleading! There were a number of things that although very minor to resolve impacted greatly on my holiday. The enclosed garden that was shown only had a fence on 2 sides meaning my dogs if off the lead could get out and get into the local woodland or on the main road but also the drive was shared and other vehicles came down so if I let them off lead they could have been hit I was FURIOUS this was the case and even more irritated that each morning when I normally let them out for a wee I had to put there collars on and a long lead and go outside myself and wait in the rain instead of just leaving them in the secure garden as it was anything but. I also thought it bizarre that as its advertised as a dog friendly cottage the property had creme carpets downstairs, how are you supposed to keep the carpets clean with muddy dogs? All in all despite the property being very attractive the lack of a SECURE enclosed garden as PROMISED was a disaster and ruined my holiday, all the property owner needs do is put a fence on the other two sides and a gate or a farmers gate on the drive way. I doubt sykes will contact me about this feedback but I would like some form of apology.

We were lucky enough to stay at mill cottage when it was first renovated some years ago , & we have stayed a number of times since.

The cottage is now in desperate need of tlc / grubby carpets and paintwork , the beds were so uncomfortable we left early as my husband daughter & myself all had backache The bbq was left in s filthy condition The outside of the property was awful, the pictures on the website hide The neighbouring property which looked derelict & unfit for human habitation , the neighbors were moving out during our stay and despite reporting the overflowing bins to the estate office - they weren’t emptied until Friday - the day we decided to leave Coupled with the broken down fencing around the old mill itself the cottage actually sits surrounded by what looks like a junk yard in between 2 derelict properties - a far cry from the picture on the internet We have photos that show what I have described

Scenic views of Windermere,peaceful location and dog friendly

We were extremely comfortable.

.though we found the single duvets a bit heavy and we couldn't get the tv in the twin bedded room to work. The position, so close to the lake, was wonderful. We enjoyed walks most evenings along the shore. If anyone else visiting wants recommendations for eating out, our favourite meals were at Rogan and Co, and The Old Stamp House which was fantastic food and fantastic value. Thank you for a wonderful week.

House is comfortable, and in an excellent location on the shore of Windermere.

Other than the fridge missing the door shelf my friends and I were delighted with the house.

Our third time at this lovely cottage but a few points to be aware of - firstly the garden is not enclosed at all which can be a problem with dogs - the drive to the cottage is shared by the adjoined cottage and basically leads through the garden, this also means that deliveries and workers who visit the adjacent disused mill can whizz down the path in front the of the house so beware if you have dogs or small children.

Having said that the house is lovely and we will return, as it suits us and our two dogs. As conscientious visitors we were slightly paranoid with beige carpets throughout the house and no doors that really seal shut so constantly putting down towels on the floor and trying to keep the dogs off the stairs is a challenge. The main bed has also seen better days but despite this we will definitely book again

Wonderful cottage every home comfort Hasn’t realised how remote though so expensive night out to celebrate anniversary cost £60 return for taxi Also no safe area to let dog out as open countryside .

.. but no fault of cottage Beautiful walks and scenery No pubs in walking distance but had our own supplies Would stay again

Beautiful cottage.

Very well appointed. Fabulously situated 1 field away from the shores of Lake Windermere. Excellent pubs close by, in central Lake District.

The cottage was immaculately clean, with good facilities, on a fabulous location very close to the Lake.

We had a wonderful holiday and will return to Graythwaite Estate again.

Had a lovely time and will look to book same cottage again next year Just an observation the mattress on the double bed is extremely hard and a little uncomfortable, we have stayed in two other cottages (jubilee and briar ) both had extremely comfortable beds so was a little disappointed.

But wouldn’t stop me returning.

The garden is not enclosed as stated, not only that but the driveway runs into the garden and as there is a tenant in the cottage next door cars often drive down past the front door.

Caused a problem with us having dogs but this could also be problematic for those with small children. The house has cream carpets throughout which is also not ideal particularly as none of the internal doors shut properly. Having said this it’s our second stay and we’ve just booked a third, just a few niggles that if fixed could make this a great stay

Lovely location close to the lake.

All facilities very good condition and well presented. Only had one gripe....there was no soap or handwash supplied when we arrived so had to scoot out and buy some!!

The cottage was in a superb location

Cottage needed a good clean and the man living in the adjoined cottage smoked cannabis in the garden , not good when on a family holiday with small children !

The cottage is simple and basic.

Some things are tired such as the fridge freezer which has broken shelves and the gas hob. It unfortunately lacks certain comforts - the beds are hard and dining room chairs likewise. Well fitted bathroom and good location

Fabulous location in a lovely Cottage.

Great cottage and we will definitely return, description is inaccurate in terms of garden being enclosed which it isn’t and the access being stated as private which isn’t - the cottage is actually semi detached and had a tenant in it which share access with mill cottage.

None of the internal doors close properly which is a nightmare with dogs and cream carpets! Also says is a 30 min stroll to the main estate facilities when in fact it’s a good drive

I think the place itself was lovely, warm & Cosy.

I was disappointed it was not decorated for Xmas although they would have done but at a cost, which also disappointed me. Especially after paying almost £1,500 for our stay, it also lacked in welcome pack, all that was there was, Milk, sugar, tea and coffee, the same as you would get in a hotel room, very poor.... I do think they should make more of an effort for the holiday season ( Christmas )

Slight problem when we arrived but was delt with very professionally the whole process from booking to leaving the property could not of been easier Thank you A few minor notes for the property Interior doors didn't stay closed so keeping dogs in one room involved moving furniture to block And beds were very hard Some of the pictures misleading as the interior pool was miles away but that was stated in the blog Thanks again

The cottage was beautiful a real home from home, views and walks amazing.

If front garden had been totally fenced off for dogs or small children would have been great. But apart from that perfect!

The digger in the abandoned mill should be removed as it is unsightly, also a paved patio area would be nice with garden furniture to have a barbecue, as the slate stones are uneven.

An enclosed garden would be better so as to let my dog out with out worrying about her escaping.